Digital transformation requires adaptation, continuous learning and increased efficiency (P)

New technologies based on Web3, Metaverse, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence will become part of everyday life

In a time when data is generated in an impressive volume and at a dizzying speed, only the ability to process and work with it in real time will make the difference for optimal adaptation to everyday life. This dimension is important to consider as an intrinsic component of the digital transformation that we propose, with dedicated policies that enable the development of the field. This was the conclusion of the third edition of the Women in Data Science -WiDS conference, organized by Think Tank 360 under the auspices of Stanford University, with the support of Wolters Kluwer Romania.

Sebastian Burduja, the Minister of Research, Innovation and Digitization sent a message during the event, saying: “It is vital that we all get involved in the digital transformation of Romania, starting from the premises that we are among the few countries in the EU where the share of women in the IT&C sector it is a grown one. At the government level, we are preparing a large national effort in the area of artificial intelligence, where women are welcome to get involved. I encourage the promotion of women in the field of data science and that of STEM education”.

The representative of the US Embassy in Bucharest, Pamela Ward, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, stated: “Data science is the center of all our actions, it makes our lives easier and helps us to solve vital problems in strategic areas such as energy or environmental protection. Along with the development of technology, there are obviously challenges related to security and data protection. But digitization and automation of processes is an important step for sustained economic growth and proactive actions aimed at developing unprecedented business opportunities in the digital age”.

Digitization helps organizations – private or governmental, to act quickly and efficiently, thus providing public health or financial services aimed at increasing our standard of living and contributing to sustainable economic development.

Continuing education in the field of data science is a step forward for a modern society. Thus, this year, in the “Datathon WiDS- Women in Data Science” international contest, in its second national edition, the podium was occupied by two teams from the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, the first place being Fantasticians formed by Cristina Boboc, Ana-Maria Oprea, Bianca Cotolencu, Gianina Maria Petrascu, followed by the Abracada-data team consisting of Mihaela Covrig, Bristena Margarit, Diana Chiroșca and Ioana Birlan. The third place at the national level was occupied by the AVA-Research team from Cluj, formed by Mihai Simedrea, Vanessa Mercea and Anca Goron.

The Romanian teams competed internationally with traditional teams in data science, on the topic of climate change and the improvement of extreme weather forecasts.

Ana Maria Goleanu, vice-president of 360.org appreciated: “This year we chose a new approach to the issue of data science, we chose to publicly show the complexity and implications of data science in the economy, social life and future digital transformation, with an emphasis on the concrete steps that must be taken made to achieve the perfect mix between humanity and artificial intelligence”.

Alina Popa, CFO OMV Petrom said: “The future of the financial profession will be digital, it will be focused on adopting new technologies, on understanding data, on capitalizing on data science to facilitate the decision-making process. This is a huge change from today, and to ensure we remain competitive, one of our priorities must remain preparing our organizations and people for the digital age with the right skills for the future. The faster we manage to digitize all areas and do it in an intelligent way, the more successful we will be, as an organization, as a country or as an individual.”

The special guest of this conference was Mioara Mantea, head of the Data Science department at the French National Center for Special Studies, specialist in geophysics and space sciences who declared: “The theme of this year’s meeting at the WiDS conference – data science in aerospace and defense – would could be seen as far from a woman’s career. But it is not! I have seen women prepared to follow this path that promises multiple opportunities for future development. Data science jobs will become more and more specific, and the space is the right place to explore and apply specific data science analyses.”

This year’s WiDS covered areas such as innovation, aerospace and defense, security, data protection and the industries of the future.

The main partner of the event was the company OMV Petrom, and the academic partner – the Academy of Land Forces “Nicolae Bălcescu” Sibiu. The conference also received support from: Adobe Romania, InnovX BCR, MHS Truck & Bus, UNIQA Asigurări, the US Embassy in Romania, Ava Research, the Association for the Development of Indigenous Entrepreneurship ADAA, Lotus Cosmetics, Domeniile Urlati, Ziarul News, the National Patronage of Businesswomen from SMEs.